Prominent figures who passed away in 2012

We are wrapping up our look back at 2012 by remembering the people we said goodbye to this year.

The music world lost a legend when pop singer Whitney Houston died at 48 years old.

"When she sang, it was just like hearing angels," said a fan.

Houston was one of the world's best-selling artists from the mid-80s to the late 90s and was known for her powerful voice. The Grammy winner's success crossed over from music to movies, where she starred in hits like "The Bodyguard."

Houston’s death was ruled an accidental drowning.

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The industry also said goodbye to other memorable music makers.

Disco queen Donna Summer lost her battle with breast cancer. The five-time Grammy winner reached stardom in the 70s with hits like 'Last Dance,' 'Hot Stuff' and 'Bad Girls.’ She was 63.

Robin Gibb, 62, a member of the legendary singing group the Bee Gees, died after a long battle with colon and liver cancer.

And Monkees front man Davy Jones died of a heart attack at the age of 66.

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Television icon Dick Clark passed away at the age of 82 after suffering a heart attack.

Clark who started in radio as a teen grew up to host "American Bandstand."

But, he may be best known for "New Year's Rockin Eve,” which he hosted for more than 30 years.

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America also lost two astronauts.

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, died at the age of 82.

Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space passed away after a 17-month long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The 61-year-old lifted off aboard the space shuttle "Challenger" in 1983.

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Rodney King, the motorist beaten by police officers in 1991, drowned in his pool.

It was the officers’ acquittals that sparked the Los Angeles riots which left more than 50 people dead.

Autopsy reports revealed that the 47-year-old had drugs in his system at the time of his drowning.

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Hollywood bid farewell to several stars this year.

Larry Hagman, known for his roles in "Dallas" and "I dream of Jeannie" succumbed to throat cancer. He was 81.

"Green Mile" actor Michael Clarke Duncan died of complications following a heart attack. The film earned the 54-year-old an Oscar nomination.

Sherman Hemsley, 74, who played grumpy George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons," lost his fight with lung cancer.

Andy Griffith, one of the most iconic actors of all time passed away at 86.

He was most notably known for his role as America’s favorite sheriff on the "Andy Griffith show."

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The nation lost two of its most well known politicians.

George McGovern, who served in both the House and Senate and faced Richard Nixon in the '72 presidential race passed away at 90 years old.

Senator Arlen Specter, 82, often called a voice of moderation in Washington, lost his battle with cancer.

Red sox nation mourned the loss of legend Johnny Pesky. Pesky left his mark in Boston as a player, manager, broadcaster and coach. The right field foul pole at Fenway will always be known as "Pesky's Pole" for a number of home-runs he hit around it.

Johnny pesky was 93.